MAIN EVENTS

Year by year summary of the main actions, the most important videos and the most important selected articles from the Press review

1991

On 11th November 1991, Michele Capasso - architect, engineer and Mediterranean scholar– decided to establish a Foundation with the aim of analyzing and addressing the issues of the region. Possible solutions, which are presented to European Union and Euro-Mediterranean Countries, relate in particular to young people, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, migratory flows, human rights, gender equality and the relationship between the Arab-Islamic World and Western Civilization.

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1992

Michele Capasso brought politicians, intellectuals, diplomats together, as well as representatives of women’s and youth networks and key figures from civil society active in the field of Mediterranean issues to map out the needs of the region with a view to drawing up a concrete set of proposals based on the real needs of the Mediterranean peoples.

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1993

Michele Capasso – together with Predrag Matvejevic’, Caterina Arcidiacono and Nullo Minissi – laid down the foundation stones for the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo, which began its activities with aid initiatives to assist the populations of former Yugoslavia, and interventions calling on the European Union to adopt concrete policies and programs for the Mediterranean, similar to those implemented for Eastern Europe, in particular following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

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1994

In 1994, Michele Capasso, together with men and women representing Euro-Mediterranean Countries and Culture, established the “Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo”. In doing so, he suspended his professional activities as an architect and engineer, devoting himself to solidarity and aid initiatives for the populations of former Yugoslavia, who, at the that time, were the victims of the greatest tragedy since the Second World War. On 10 December 1994, he launched the “Appeal for Peace in Former Yugoslavia” together with Predrag Matvejevic’.

In 1995, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo began its own activities, becoming an important actor in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. Particular mention should be made of the International Conference: “The Mediterranean and Europe” – the results of which laid down the basis of the Barcelona Process – and the Euromed Civil Forum. The Forum offered a far-sighted panorama of the needs of Euro-Mediterranean needs, and took place in Barcelona the day after the conclusion of the First Euro-Mediterranean Conference.

In 1996, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo distinguished itself for its activities promoting culture and peace. Among them, the Appeal against the closure of the Goethe Institut in Naples, the foundation of the “Writers’ Parliament”, conferences on the Cities of the Mediterranean, publications and high-profile cultural events, characterized by their intense commitment to the Mediterranean.

In 1997, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo became a major actor in political, cultural, scientific and social dialogue among the Euro-Mediterranean Countries. Particular mention should be made of the “Euromed” Civil Forum held in Naples, 10-13 December 1997: the 2248 participants from 36 Countries and 50 thematic sessions produced 86 concrete projects, most of which were carried out thanks to the Fondazione. Among them, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, the “Maison de la Méditerranée”, “Accademia del Mediterraneo”, Cinemamed, Euromedcity, Isolamed, Medpride, Euro-med-café, Almamed, Labmed, the “Maison de la Paix” and the “Peace Totem”.

In 1998, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo merged the “Sarajevo Award” with the revised “Mediterranean Award”, comprising various categories, which was given to different representatives active in political, cultural, scientific and social spheres in recognition of their commitment to peace and joint development.In the same year, the Fondazione set up a vast database to hold information on Representatives of Civil Society in the Mediterranean and founded the “Accademia del Mediterraneo”, an institution of cultural excellence with an autonomous department, adhered to by 168 National Academies from various Mediterranean Countries.

In 1999, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo strengthened its own network – made up of the Autonomous Departments, including the “Accademia del Mediterraneo”, “Almamed”, ‘Euromedcity”, “Isolamed” and “Labmed” - by establishing about 150 thematic offices and 50 branch offices. Among them, Amman, Marrakech, Struga, Skopje, Ohrid, Marsiglia, Sestri Levante, Isole Eolie, Cattolica, Lecce, to name but a few. Particular mention should be made of the branch in Marrakesh – supported by King Hassan II and his successor Mohammed VI – which, thanks to the “Averroès Chair” on Mediterranean Studies, has come to play a major role in the education of young people on both sides of the Mediterranean.

In 2000, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo continued to consolidate and amplify its role in promoting dialogue for peace. More than 400 events in 32 Countries bore testimony to its exceptional commitment in identifying actions to be taken. Particular mention should be made of the “International Award of the Laboratorio Mediterraneo”, the institution of the European Masters in Developing Euro-Mediterranean Society, the “Cinemamed” program, which – with its 20 partners – has become a reference point for Arab filmography, student exchanges between various Universities belonging to the Fondazione, and finally the “Assises de la Méditerranée”, which took place in Marseilles with more than 1000 participants. Further mention should be made of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference in honor King Hussein of Jordan, which the Fondazione organized at the behest of the European Council. On that occasion, President Michele Capasso was awarded the highest level of recognition from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

In 2001, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo was active in different sectors. “Cinemamed” took on an important role promoting dialogue: more than 20 cities hosted the “Arab-Mediterranean Countries Film Festival”, and the “Aristotle” School was established for young screen-writers from both sides of the Mediterranean. In the field of research, a new “Masters in social complexity” was set up, and the City of Naples was chosen as the definitive headquarters for the “Maison de la Méditerranée”. The Fondazione became a prestigious player in Euro-Mediterranean politics, as documents and memoranda prepared by members of the Fondazione were used by Heads of State and Government.

2002 was a historic year for the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo, as its “dream” of founding the “Casa del Mediterraneo” in Naples came to fruition. In fact, this “dream” dated back to the 1997 Euromed Civil Forum, when the 2248 participants entrusted the Fondazione with this goal. On 22 June 2002 – in the presence of ministers and representatives of Euro-Mediterranean Countries, ambassadors, and key personalities from the worlds of culture and science – the “Maison de la Méditerranée” was inaugurated.The then President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, stated that, “It is the Maison of hope”. King Mohammed VI of Morocco affirmed: “I consider the establishment of the Maison de la Méditerranée in Naples a marvelous construction that is at the service of dialogue between peoples, religions and cultures of our sea, the Mediterranean”.

In 2003, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo consolidated its role as an actor for dialogue among cultures. It proposed the setting up of a “Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for Dialogue among Cultures” and, to this end, made its own know-how, networks, offices and resources available. It hosted the “Council of Europe”, meeting for the first time outside its seat. It organized a new Euromed Civil Forum, leading to the establishment of the “Euromed NGO Platform”. It hosted the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (one of the Forum’s 1997 proposals) and collaborated towards the successful outcome of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference in Naples (December 2003). In the same year, the “Mediterranean Award” received unanimous recognition and to be considered by eminent the “Nobel Prize of the Mediterranean”. Prize-winners included Suzanne Mubarak and Naguib Mahfouz, who referred to President Capasso as a “builder of peace: as one of the few people capable of transforming Love of Power into the Power of Love”.

In 2004, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo undertook initiatives for the rights of women, equality and gender, and generally, to promote the role of women in Euro-Mediterranean society.Among others, the activities included the “Women and Rights Forum”, the International Conference on “Islam from a Woman’s Perspective”, and in particular the exhibition “Tearing Veils: female artists from the Islamic world”. seventy-one artists from different Countries presented their works in an itinerant exhibition that was to be shown throughout the world.“Ansamed”, dedicated to Mediterranean issues, was also established within the Ansa press agency in the same year, in relation to which the Fondazione signed a cooperation agreement.In 2004, Walter Schwimmer, already Secretary General of the Council of Europe, also became the Secretary General of the Maison de la Méditerranée.

Professor John L. Esposito – one of the most eminent experts on Islam and the West – became a member of the Fondazione, directing its triennial program, “The Mediterranean, Islam and Europe: actors in dialogue”. In this context, workshops included those organized by Fred Halliday, John L. Esposito and Tariq Ramadan.The “Mediterranean Award” was presented, among others, to Gianni Letta and the Moroccan daily newspaper Al Bayane.In the same year, the Fondazione launched the “Euromedcafé” program, co-financed by the European Union, in appreciation of short films on intercultural dialogue made by young people from Euro-Mediterranean Countries.(www.euromedcafe.org).

In 2005, the Fondazione Laboratorio Mediterraneo celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Barcelona Process with a series of initiatives ( HYPERLINK "http://www.euromed10.org" www.euromed10.org). These included the establishment of the “Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for Dialogue among Cultures”, in which – as was resolved at the Euromed Conference in Dublin in May 2004 – the Fondazione took on the role of Head of the Italian Network with the responsibility of assisting the newly-founded Euro-Mediterranean institution. In the same year, at its seat in Naples, the Fondazione bore testimony to the establishment of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, hosting visits from Heads of State and Government, a seminar on the importance of Turkey becoming a member of the European Union – with the participation of the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan together with some of his ministers. There was also the international conference on “Classical Cultures”, appeals for peace and the protection of the environment, the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the massacre of Srebrenica, as well as the international workshop “The Mediterranean, Europe and Islam: actors in dialogue”, with top experts from throughout the world.

In 2006, the Fondazione Mediterraneo carried out numerous activities relating to cultural tourism in the Euro-Mediterranean area.Amongst others, mention should be made of the Tunis International Conference on dialogue among civilizations, the Masters for experts in networking and protection of the environment, the second cycle of conferences on the Mediterranean with international experts, the presentation of the “Manifesto for the Greater Mediterranean” signed by politicians, intellectuals, key personalities from the worlds of science and culture worldwide, workshops on “Democracy and Islam”, the 2006 edition of the “Mediterranean Galaxy”. In the same year, the Fondazione Mediterraneo opened a new office in Murcia (Spain) dedicated to the role of cities for peace and multiethnic integration. Events included visits by the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Bedjaoui to the Fondazione Mediterraneo and the 2006 World Congress on “Laity, Religions and Cultures compared”.The Fondazione Mediterraneo took on an important role in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict calling for International initiatives and launching the “Adesso Basta!” (Stop Now!) Appeal.In September 2006, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Pier Ferdinando Casini inaugurated the new branch in Amman.In December, the 2nd Euromed Youth Workshop was held, which laid down the basis for the “Euro-Mediterranean Youth Parliament”. Winners of the 2006 Mediterranean Award included the Algiers National Library, the Algerian singer Khaled, the daily newspaper Al Hayat and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa.

In 2007, the Fondazione Mediterraneo promoted the first edition of the “Mediterranean Book Award”, founded the “Euromed Youth Parliament”, and organized the “Muslims and Democrats” Workshop.Winners of the “Mediterranean Award” included writer Alaa Al-Aswani, the Nobel Prize Winner Shirine Ebadi, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan and the President of the Council of Europe, René Van der Linden. The Appeal for the Greater Mediterranean, seminars and workshops and the Masters on Dialogue completed the intense activities for the year.

In 2008, the Fondazione Mediterraneo strengthened its actions to develop the Italian Network of the “Anna Lindh Foundation”, in relation to which it is the head organization. In particular, it promoted the “1001 Actions for Dialogue” campaign. Among them, the “Embrace Dialogue” event that involved 43 Countries.The “Mediterranean Galaxy” extended its actions to the promotion of books and tradition, while eminent international speakers took part in the “Averroès Chair”.Particular mention should be made of the international congress, “Southern Italy between globalization and the new geo-politics of the Mediterranean”, which was held on the eve of the institution of the Union for the Mediterranean.In the same year, in recognition of the actions undertaken by the Fondazione Mediterraneo, the Anna Lindh Foundation held its Consultative Council at the seat of the Fondazione Mediterraneo in Naples for the first time.Winners of the Mediterranean Award included the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Massimo d’Alema, Wassyla Tamzali, and Rima Maroun.On 8 May 2008, Rita Allamprese died. She was the spouse of President Michele Capasso’s and co-founder of the Fondazione Mediterraneo.

In 2009, the Fondazione Mediterraneo presented its projects for the “Maison de la Paix – Universal Home of Cultures”, the “Maison des Alliances” and the “Peace Totem”. The latter is of particular importance for its symbolic role in building peace in the world. It was created by the Turinese sculptor, Mario Molinari, and is recognized as a universal symbol of peace.Among the other activities in 2009, mention should be made of the “Fez Forum”, the agreements with the Lebanon and the Sultan of Oman for peace, the XI Edition of the Averroès Chair in Marrakech, the Youth Workshops and the publications of texts and other events in various Countries. Winners of the “Mediterranean Award” included Mahmoud Darwich, Alvaro Siza, Carmen Romero, The President of the republic of Portugal, Anibal Cavaco Silva, Folco Quilici, Ursula Plassnik, Laura Morante, and Combatants for Peace.

In 2010, in order to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, the Fondazione Mediterraneo carried out an intensive program of activities in 30 Countries. More than 300 events were organized characterizing the actions that had began in 1994, in relation to which the Fondazione Mediterraneo plays an important role. Activities included the inauguration of the “Maison de la Paix - Universal Home of Cultures”, the creation of the monumental sculpture, the “Peace Totem” in different cities of the Mediterranean (Naples, Rome, Rabat, Rutino, San Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Pescasseroli, etc.), the “Euro-Mediterranean Concert for Dialogue among Cultures” at the San Carlo Opera House in Naples, the Appeal for Culture and Research presented to Unesco, the “Fez Forum” on cultural diplomacy and the “World Conference of Territorial Intelligence”. In June 2010, President Capasso published his book, “Nostro Mare Nostro”. Winners of the Mediterranean Award included the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Mons. Fouad Twal, André Azoulay, the Swedish minister for foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Princess Wijdan Al-Hashemi, the Under-Secretary of State Carlo Giovanardi, the daily newspaper La Vanguardia and Al-Jazeera reporter, Roberto De Simone, Mario Molinari, Mons. Luigi Padovese, Jozefina Topalli, and Vincenzo Galgano.

In 2011, Michele Capasso lent his support to young people and populations involved in the “Arab Spring” and the Fondazione Mediterraneo developed a program of urgent initiatives aimed at assisting populations involved in the delicate process of democratization. In the same year, numerous initiatives were undertaken for young people: from the Arab Youth Forum to the Mediterranean Young Meeting, last but not least, the Fez forum, dedicated to the theme of “Young people and the challenge of globalization”. A tricolor work of Molinari’s Peace Totem was made in Turin, Coazze and Naples on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy.